The race to playoffs is getting heated up day by day. Usually, at this time of the tournament, we get a clear picture as to which team would make it to the playoffs. But this time around only two teams have qualified and seven other teams are still in contention for the remaining two spots. Teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians have started to peak just at the right time and are a win away from making it to the playoffs.

On Thursday, RCB were taking on the table-toppers SRH and needed to win the game to stay alive in the tournament. They had a huge task in their hands as it is not easy to beat SRH and the last time they faced the Orange army, they faltered midway and failed to get over the line. RCB did not start well as they lost Parthiv Patel and Virat Kohli cheaply. But AB De Villiers and Moeen Ali steadied the ship and did not allow the SRH bowlers to settle at any point in time.

Confidence booster

RCB posted a massive total of 218 because of the man of the match performance by de Villiers. But it was Moeen Ali who provided the impetus to help his team put up a big score at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Ali played a key role in the middle as de Villiers alone could not have carried the side and score at all times. Players other than Kohli and de Villiers needed to step up as over-reliance on few players is bound to lead to a downfall at some point in time.

“It is obviously very important (to contribute). It is a massive momentum kind of game. We have to contribute to go further and potentially get through (to the playoffs). You can’t always rely on two guys, two amazing players who will do their bit but we have to sort of chip in and win games for the team as well.” Moeen Alisaid in post-match presentation. Runs were flowing from Ali’s bat as he scored an impressive 34 balls 65 that included two fours and six sixes. He also shared a 105-run stand with de Villiers which eventually laid the platform for the big total.

“It was good. I feel like I have been playing well in the nets and practice. I wasn’t in great form coming here. It was nice to go out and express myself in the last game here, for the fans and team, for my own and team’s confidence in me as well so that we can keep going forward,” added Ali. This win will provide a lot of confidence to RCB who face the Rajasthan Royals next in a virtual knockout match. The fact that RR will be without Buttler and Stokes will be a massive advantage for Kohli and his men.